Before broaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Before broaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a topic or subject that you intend to discuss or bring up later in the conversation or text. Example: "Before broaching the subject of budget cuts, I want to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding our current financial situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I paused before broaching a second critical issue.

The New Yorker

Then, even before broaching the possibility of a second date, he said, the woman made a proposition: if they married, he wouldn't have to work again.

The New York Times

But before broaching the subject, we would like to know if flip taxes are widely used and how they are calculated.

The New York Times

In a sequential assault, Billy moved them to the floor, outside the bedroom door, then downstairs, before broaching the notion that they might work well as outdoor animals.

The New York Times

Reading through these dos and don'ts before broaching the topic will help, but don't beat yourself up if the conversation doesn't go as well as you'd hoped: your friend will appreciate your concern.

The Guardian

He should have gotten the patient's consent before broaching the matter with others, and if a trade was required, have the patient or the patient's family request it directly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr. Fugard has never before broached in his plays the subject of the scourge of AIDS in Africa.

The New York Times

Rudolph W. Giuliani, as he had done before, indelicately broached this rhetorical question while campaigning a week ago for Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

On Wednesday night, in the second episode of his River Cottage Summer series, the ever fearless Hugh Fearnley-wenttingstall wherewhere few chefs have gone before, and broached the subject of food recycling in professional kitchens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before even broaching the tax increase — which Republican legislators said they would not accept and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, vowed to veto — Democrats failed to get enough Republican votes in the Assembly or Senate for the first of 20 proposed budget bills, which contained $11 billion in cuts.

The New York Times

We sat and spoke for around 40 minutes before lunch, broaching subjects from "vanilla" sex to the Alternative Lifestyles Community Centre that Contessa also runs from her home which possesses its own 50 Shades of Grey-esque dungeon to the misrepresentation of BDSM in popular culture.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Before broaching" when you want to emphasize careful consideration or preparation before introducing a potentially sensitive or complex topic. For example, "Before broaching the topic of restructuring, gather all necessary data and anticipate potential concerns."

Common error

Avoid using "Before broaching" in extremely informal settings; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler phrases like "Before we talk about..." might be more appropriate in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Before broaching" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a preparatory action preceding the discussion of a particular subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates the timing of events and suggests a specific order.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Before broaching" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a topic after suggesting careful consideration or preparation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, though also applicable in wiki and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to gauge the formality of the situation, as simpler alternatives may be more fitting for casual conversations. Using "Before broaching" indicates a tactical or thoughtful approach to introducing a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior to raising

Emphasizes the temporal sequence; "prior to" specifies that the raising of the topic happens after.

Ahead of mentioning

"Ahead of" highlights the preparation aspect before introducing a subject.

In advance of discussing

Focuses on the planning or preparation done before the discussion.

Previous to introducing

"Previous to" clearly indicates a chronological order of events.

Before bringing up

A more casual way of saying "before broaching", focusing on initiating the topic.

Before addressing

Highlights the act of dealing with or focusing on the topic.

Preceding the discussion of

A more formal version, emphasizing the discussion as the focal point.

Leading up to presenting

Suggests a series of actions that culminate in presenting the topic.

In preparation for introducing

Focuses on the preparatory steps taken before introduction.

Preliminary to suggesting

Indicates that something is done as a preliminary step before suggesting an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "Before broaching" in a sentence?

You can use "Before broaching" to introduce a topic that you intend to discuss, often implying a degree of caution or preparation. For instance, "Before broaching the subject of salary, let's review your performance goals."

What's a good alternative to "Before broaching"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prior to raising", "ahead of mentioning", or "before bringing up", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "Before broaching" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "Before broaching" might sound overly formal in very casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "Before we talk about this" or "Before getting into that" in informal conversations.

What should I consider before using the phrase "Before broaching"?

Think about whether the situation requires a more cautious or prepared approach to introducing a topic. If so, "Before broaching" is suitable. If the context is relaxed, a less formal phrase might be better.